Forrest Mallard - May 11, 2021
Bucegi Natural Park Trails
Déimbovita, Romania
Start: Various
End: Various
Distance: Various
Time: Various
Difficulty: Easy to strenuous
Surface: Mountain and Forest Trails, Waymarked Paths
Website: www.montania.ro
The Bucegi Natural Park Trails in the Bucegi Mountains (part of the Southern Carpathians), are full of the ingredients that make Romanian history a delicious mix of fact and myth. The Bucegi were the home of the Dacians, an ancient race of Indo-Europeans who first settled present-day Romania, and also of their gods, who included Zamolxis, the supreme being who lived deep beneath its summits in a labyrinth of caves with a retinue of priests-the “Cloud Swallowers.” There are still caves here that have never been explored, and twisted rock formations said to be of an old shepherd woman named Dochia and her sheep, all turned to stone by a terrible, age-old curse.
All of which adds depth and mystery to a region replete with intriguing walking trails. The highest point-Omu Peak (8,218 feet/2,505 m)-dominates a landscape of nine post-glacial valleys, within which there are twenty-two mountain chalets that enable Bucegi Natural Park Trail walkers to explore a web of routes. (Be sure to include the Morar Needles, breathtaking pinnacles of rock set in a natural amphitheater.
Always stay in designated campsites on the Bucegi Natural Park Trails. You may not encounter any Cloud Swallowers, but there are plenty of brown bears capable of some gnarly swallowing of their own.
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Meet the Head Tramp
Forrest Mallard is a travel writer, filmmaker, and adventure guide who has dedicated his life to exploring the world and sharing its stories. With over 50 countries deeply explored, his blog, Tramposaurus Treks, has become a trusted resource for adventurers, even earning recommendations from national tourism boards.
Forrest’s storytelling spans multiple mediums, from documentary filmmaking to in-depth travel writing, often weaving history, culture, and personal experiences into compelling narratives. His acclaimed documentaries on the Walt Disney Company have even earned the rare praise of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner—a testament to his ability to uncover and present compelling stories. His professional background is as varied as his passport stamps—ranging from adventure guiding in Ecuador, Thailand, and Alaska to producing large-scale entertainment in Dubai, managing concert tours in South Africa, and even working aboard National Geographic Expedition ships. This eclectic career path has armed him with a unique perspective: one that blends logistical expertise with an insatiable curiosity for the unknown. Whether leading travelers through rugged landscapes, crafting historical documentaries, or sharing insights on long-distance trekking, Forrest remains dedicated to inspiring others to explore, connect, and embrace adventure—preferably with a well-worn backpack and a good story in tow.
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